Red Bean Chili

Chili mmmmmmmm oh chili how you make our systems get revved up!

I lived in Florida for about 20 years. As I got older, I started to discover the different food cultures that existed in my back yard. They've definitely influenced my cooking. So one day I went to this produce stand in Lake Worth to get some veggies. I always noticed the dried peppers from Mexico and decided to ask how to cook them. I've realized this is one of the ways I've learned to expand my repetoir. So this Mexican guy gives me this recipe. Today I've altered it a bit. See blow for original recipe.

Beans

Night before....soak 1 1/2 cups red beans or what ever kind you like. Boil with salt for 15 minutes. pour off liquid and refill with fresh water. Boil until tender. Add one large beef boullion.

Chili sauce base

10-15 Dried Guajillo peppers, take out seeds
1 Dried Chipotle pepper
3-4 cloves garlic
1 whole onion
3 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp red pepper
1 tbsp sea salt
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp sugar

Boil all ingredients together for about 30 minutes until the peppers are tender. Put in a blender and liquify. Pour back into the pot and simmer down a bit more until a mild thickness develops.
taste and add more salt to taste and 2 tbsp sugar to round off the dryness of the peppers. If you want it smoother, strain before adding other ingredients.

Meat

1/2 lb your favorite breakfast sausage
the one I used has a base of sage
1 chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil

pan fry onions, garlic and meat in olive oil untill all is cooked.

Add chili sauce and meat to cooked beans and simmer until it thickens. Et voila! Serve with chips, tortillas, I've seen some eat chili with rice. Top with your favorite fixins. I love sharp cheddar on mine with some Cool ranch doritos on the side for dipping. I know...crazy. Especially those who know my eating habits and lack of junk food. (except chocolate that is and special pies). I'm a sucker for great sweets.....stay tuned for the posting of Chocolate Mousse Pie.


Original Recipe for Chili Sauce

10 Guajillo peppers
10 Ancho chili peppers
1 whole onion
3 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp red pepper
1 tbsp sea salt
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp sugar

Instead of using sausage, I would use ground turkey or buffalo. The rest is the same.